Recent Releases

In 2013, with generous funding from a CMA grant, the Kontras Quartet commissioned Jens Kruger to write a brand new work for string septet, resulting in a fascinating suite with seven movements entitled Lucid Dreamer. Nominated to the first-round ballot for the 2015 Grammys.

This shimmering 36-minute piece is performed by So Percussion on amplified, dulcimer-like “Chord Sticks” created by instrument builder Aron Sanchez of Buke and Gase. Music for Wood and Strings was commissioned by Carnegie Hall and premiered by So Percussion at Zankel Hall in 2013.

The heart of the Kontras Quartet mission has been to discover and present music from our homelands, so our first album for MSR Classics does exactly that - celebrate our diverse origins. Works by Hajime Koumatsu, Igor Stravinsky, Dan Visconti, and Kevin Volans. World premiere recording of Dan Visconti's Ramshackle Songs.

Exclusive educational release (non-profit, not for sale) of historic performance of New School Brazilian Choro Ensemble at Mannes Concert Hall. To stream audio, video and download program notes, visit http://www.boukas.com/pixinguinha-and-contemporaries